Following the success of RRR, director SS Rajamouli is set to showcase superstar Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram in his upcoming film Varanasi. The Telugu star confirmed the news himself, revealing that the movie draws inspiration from a chapter of the Indian epic, Ramayana.
A star-studded cast and high anticipation
Since the announcement of his action-fantasy epic, Varanasi has been the subject of intense buzz. The cast, featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has heightened audience excitement. The recently released grand teaser further amplified expectations. Scheduled for release on 7 April 2027, the film includes Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudra, portraying Lord Ram in key sequences.
Mahesh Babu on embodying Lord Ram
Speaking to Screen Rent, Mahesh Babu shared, “I am playing Lord Ram, which required special postures. You cannot stand like a modern character. I underwent specific training for this. Rajamouli sir even gave me European sculptures for reference, which I placed in my study and carried with me on my phone to practice whenever I could.”
During a family holiday in Germany, Mahesh Babu noticed himself naturally adopting a posture that suited the character. “Now, when they tell me on set to stand straight, it comes easily because I went through the whole process last year,” he said.
Training in Kalari for authentic action
For two crucial shots in Varanasi, Mahesh Babu trained in Kalari, an ancient martial art from Kerala, to run like Lord Ram. “Seeing the final shot was worth six months of training. My entire posture and way of walking changed,” he remarked.
The actor also admitted, “Working with Rajamouli has spoiled me. Performing action sequences without injuries and mistakes feels natural now, making my next projects challenging in comparison.”
Rajamouli on Ramayana-inspired storytelling
In an interview with Polygon, Rajamouli stated, “All my films are inspired by stories from the Ramayana. In Varanasi, I adapted an actual incident from the epic. The central theme focuses on a father-son relationship, based on Lord Ram and King Dasharath. Audiences may not grasp the entire Ramayana story, but understanding the characters’ emotions is enough.”
The director also shared that the film features an epic battle scene, shot in IMAX format to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience. He confirmed that Varanasi is a standalone film with no planned sequel.
Cast and budget details
- Mahesh Babu as Rudra / Lord Ram
- Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini, a mysterious thief
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as main antagonist, Kumbha
Varanasi is reported to be the most expensive Indian film to date, with a budget estimated between ₹1,000–1,300 crore.
Rajamouli’s previous box office highlights:
| Year | Film | Domestic Net Collection | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Baahubali: The Beginning | ₹1,030.42 crore | ₹650 crore |
| 2017 | Baahubali 2: The Conclusion | ₹421.00 crore | ₹1,788.06 crore |
| 2022 | RRR | ₹782.20 crore | ₹1,230 crore |
Audiences now eagerly await 7 April 2027, when Varanasi will release in cinemas, promising a visually grand, Ramayana-inspired epic.
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